Murder

Murder Defence Lawyer in Winnipeg

What is Murder?

Murder is a type of homicide. A homicide is when someone, directly or indirectly, causes the death of another. First degree murder is “planned and deliberate”, or under other specific circumstances set out under the Criminal Code. These circumstances include the victim being a peace officer, or if the murder occurred in the course of specific offences, such as sexual assault or unlawful confinement. Second degree murder is any intentional murder that is not first degree. In certain cases, murder can be reduced to manslaughter for reasons of provocation or intoxication.

Sentencing for Murder

An adult convicted of first degree murder faces a life sentence without eligibility for parole for 25 years. An adult convicted of second degree murder faces a life sentence without eligibility for parole for 10 years.
Youth sentences for murder are of a significantly shorter duration than that for adults. The maximum youth sentence for first degree murder is 10 years, comprised of a period of 6 years custody, followed by a placement in the community under conditional supervision for 4 additional years. The maximum youth sentence for second degree murder is 7 years, comprised of a period of 4 years custody, followed by a placement in the community under conditional supervision for 3 additional years. The Crown Attorney may also apply to have the youth sentenced as an adult.

Defending a Murder Charge

Even if you are just a suspect in a murder, it is vital to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. Most cases proven to be wrongful convictions in Canada have been for murder. It is important to understand your rights, even if you are only a suspect. Police will go to every effort investigating this serious crime thoroughly. They will employ sophisticated investigatory methods and forensic science, advanced interrogation techniques, and other means to obtain evidence against a suspect. This can take the form of wiretaps, undercover operations, surveillance, search warrants, interrogation, DNA analysis, fingerprinting and other advanced forensic investigative techniques.

It is vital to speak with a lawyer at the earliest stage of an investigation to ensure you don’t act in anyway that may compromise your rights and possible defences. If the police have infringed your Charter rights during their investigation, an application can be made to have the evidence excluded. A successful exclusion of evidence may be the difference between a conviction and an acquittal.

Other times, the best outcome for a murder charge is to have it reduced to manslaughter, which carries a much lower sentence. Achieving such a goal can be difficult and requires a multifaceted approach to evidence, the law and negotiations with the Crown Attorney.

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About Josh

Joshua Rogala is a committed, motivated, and honest criminal defence lawyer in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. He has a strong drive to be the best representative for his clients and wants to ensure that his clients are in safe and caring hands. Josh wants to listen to your story and with a passion in law, he wants to educate you about the possible outcomes. He will do everything he can to make sure you are represented properly.